Meet the Thought Leaders Driving Innovation at TBEC 2025
Texas Gulf Coast Biotechnology & Biomanufacturing Education Conference 2025 brings together an exciting lineup of speakers from across academia and industry. These innovators, educators, and workforce leaders will share insights on the latest trends in biotechnology and biomanufacturing — and help inspire the next generation of talent.
TBEC’s mission is to advance biotechnology and biomanufacturing education in the Texas Gulf Coast region by connecting educators, students, and industry professionals. The conference aims to showcase Houston as a growing biotech hub, strengthen the biotech workforce through education, and foster industry-academic collaboration.
Speakers
Linnea Fletcher
Dr. Linnea A. Fletcher, PhD, earned her doctorate in Microbiology from the University of Texas at Austin after completing degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Microbiology. In 1999 she founded the Biotechnology Program at Austin Community College and has held leadership roles from Department Chair to Division Chair of Math, Science, and Technology. She has served as principal investigator on major NSF- and ATE-funded grants—including the InnovATEBIO National Biotechnology Center—and led projects in student retention and industry engagement.
Session: Workforce Readiness for Biomanufacturing: National Trends, Local Opportunities
This crucial session will address the evolving landscape of workforce readiness in the biomanufacturing sector, offering an in-depth look at current national trends and initiatives and examining how these broader movements align with the specific needs and opportunities within the Texas Gulf Coast.
Jim DeKloe
Jim DeKloe is Professor of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology at Solano College, where he founded and directs the Industrial Biotechnology program. He previously served as Southwest regional director of the Bio-Link consortium, spent a sabbatical in manufacturing at Genentech, and consulted on biomanufacturing training for Amgen. He advises Bio-Rad’s Explorer Education Division and several college and high school biotech programs, and has been honored as a Distinguished Faculty Member by both the Association of Community College Trustees (2000) and Solano College (2011).
Session: Creating a Biotechnology/Biomanufacturing - Educational Ecosystem
This session explores the essential components and strategies for building a thriving educational ecosystem that supports and accelerates the biotechnology and biomanufacturing industries. He shares an expert perspective on how various stakeholders—including educational institutions, industry partners, and community organizations—can collaborate effectively. Particular focus will be given to the unique opportunities within Texas and the Gulf Coast.
Saniya Mansuri
Saniya Mansuri is a healthcare strategist and innovation leader at Texas Medical Center, where she designs cross-sector initiatives to expand equitable access to health careers and accelerate healthtech adoption. She has advised on the U.S. expansion of the Innovate UK Global Incubator Program and launched a region-wide biomanufacturing workforce development initiative creating entry-level life sciences pathways. Holding a master’s in Global Health, she
combines expertise in strategic planning, change management, and human-centered design to build partnerships that drive
systemic transformation.
Session: The Biotechnology Pipeline: Integrating Biotechnology into K–12 Programs
This insightful discussion on the critical role of early education in building a sustainable biotechnology workforce, while delving into effective strategies for integrating biotechnology concepts and hands-on experiences into K–12 curricula. The focus will be on developing a comprehensive K–12 biotechnology education ecosystem specifically tailored for the Gulf Coast region.
Register
Don’t miss your chance to learn from these and other biotech leaders — register for TBEC 2025 today!